Marine Atlantic to raise rates, reduce off-peak crossings

Marine Atlantic will raise rates by four per cent and reduce the number of off-peak season crossings to offset rising operations costs, the company said in a news release on Wednesday.

"We continue to be impacted by rising costs of materials, supplies and labour. We have implemented efficiencies and are continuing to make further changes in the way we operate to minimize the increase in costs passed on to our customers," said Don Barnes, vice president of customer experience at Marine Atlantic.

The company also plans to reduce its off-peak crossings by six per cent.

"Outside of our peak travel period, we have adjusted the number of sailings to reflect traffic demand," wrote Darrell Mercer, communications director with Marine Atlantic.

"There are no reductions to the number of crossings per week during the peak summer season, and our four vessels will be in operation. Our off-peak periods occur during the fall, winter and spring and there will be an approximate 6 per cent reduction in sailings."

The fare for two adults with a vehicle travelling between Channel-Port aux Basques and North Sydney will rise to $194 from $187. Travelling between Argentia and North Sydney will cost two adults with a vehicle about $450.